While takeoff from Bradley favors the left side with Hartford and river valley views, the landing approach into Fort Lauderdale on the right side is significantly more scenic, featuring the Atlantic coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and distinctive South Florida urban-waterfront character. The landing experience outweighs the modest takeoff advantage, making right seats the better overall choice for this route.
Flown BDL to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Windsor Locks to Fort Lauderdale is 1,175 miles (1,892 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, then transitions to the flat Atlantic Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Shenandoah Valley (left side), Blue Ridge Mountains (left side, distant), Chesapeake Bay (left side), and the Carolina coastal plains. The route generally follows a southwest corridor at cruise altitude, with limited dramatic terrain—mostly forested hills giving way to flat coastal lowlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BDL
LEFTLeft side captures the Connecticut River valley and Hartford urban area during climb-out from Bradley. Right side faces open terrain with minimal landmarks during initial ascent.
Landing at FLL
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Fort Lauderdale, including the Atlantic coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and the distinctive urban-waterfront landscape of South Florida. Left side faces inland swamps and flat terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bradley International (BDL) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windsor Locks to Fort Lauderdale. While takeoff from Bradley favors the left side with Hartford and river valley views, the landing approach into Fort Lauderdale on the right side is significantly more scenic, featuring the Atlantic coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and distinctive South Florida urban-waterfront character. The landing experience outweighs the modest takeoff advantage, making right seats the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
During takeoff from Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Connecticut River valley and Hartford urban area during climb-out from Bradley. Right side faces open terrain with minimal landmarks during initial ascent. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Hartford skyline, Farmington River valley, central Connecticut suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Fort Lauderdale, including the Atlantic coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and the distinctive urban-waterfront landscape of South Florida. Left side faces inland swamps and flat terrain. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale harbor and port, Miami-Dade coastal development.
How long is the flight from Windsor Locks to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Bradley International (BDL) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,175 miles (1,892 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windsor Locks to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, then transitions to the flat Atlantic Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Shenandoah Valley (left side), Blue Ridge Mountains (left side, distant), Chesapeake Bay (left side), and the Carolina coastal plains. The route generally follows a southwest corridor at cruise altitude, with limited dramatic terrain—mostly forested hills giving way to flat coastal lowlands.